Gm optispark problems. Our Optisparks are built from the component level using premium materials and time-tested techniques — trusted by enthusiasts and professional shops for their reliability and long-term durability. Optispark Problems. May 11, 2008 · After people put some mileage on their LT1-powered cars, Opti-Spark Ignitions began to fail at a fairly high rate. Buy a $12 \’96 GM Vette distributor vacuum harness assy. Optical sensors are inherently robust and seldom cause problems in the OptiSpark. THere's an optical cam position sensor. Sep 20, 2011 · This would be a great place to make an Optispark joke and then tiptoe around GM's failure to build a solid ignition system in the '90s, but at this point we don See full list on bryansgarage. Jan 15, 2004 · > > much better than GM's. The Optispark distributor is a crucial component in the ignition system of many General Motors vehicles, providing spark to the engine’s cylinders. Jan 25, 2020 · Today I'm going over the optispark ignition system of the GM LT-1 engine. With high voltage removed from the Opti-Spark, the problems of cap & rotor wear, internal arc-over and cross-firing vanish. Could I have gotten 2 bad distributors? Feb 21, 2017 · What you need to know about GM Optispark sorry about the lab scope it's really hard to see looking for a square wave AC volts 2 to 4 ''ICM'' WHITE WIRE Jul 23, 2014 · The Optispark is a unique ignition system found primarily on GM's venerated LT1, LT4 and L99 V8's from 1992 to 1997. Reserve a long day to fiddle around. Sep 18, 2011 · Opti-Spark options For early year opti repair I found this link helpful: Fixing An Opti-Spark Distributor Without Reaching For A Hammer From the February, 2009 issue of Corvette Fever Opti-Spark Options Some #s/facts on LT1: GM LT engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Oct 1, 2003 · Unfortunately, LT1 owners have had long-term reliability problems with the Opti-Spark, and even though it has been around for 11 years now, many enthusiasts are still in the dark when it comes to "The Delteq Opti-Direct system solves most of the LT1's Opti-Spark problems by converting to a distributorless system similar to that used on the Cadillac Northstar engines. THere's two parts to the opti. I would install the new Opti-Spark and when you’re sure the engine runs properly get started on the spark plugs and the spark plug wires. Jan 19, 2018 · Liquid above electronics. Oct 6, 2006 · GM's OptiSpark is an optically triggered ignition distributor used on the LT1, LT4, and L99 (4. Jul 14, 2021 · How reliable is GM's LT1 engine? Learn about common problems including optispark, head gasket faiure, coolant sensors, PCV valves, and more. Jan 4, 2007 · Spark plug wires on the LT1 are a major effort. Mar 9, 2010 · 3 months Ago I bought a 94 firebird 5. GM technical service bulletin 87-65-27 offers a fix for Opti-Spark misfiring in the form of a distributor upgrade kit (P/N 10457293 for the earlier applications, and P/N 10457735 for the later ones). The Jun 6, 2018 · The LT1 powered police cars and taxis, too, and really only had one problem. The "opti" has two parts, a low-voltage optical section and a high-voltage cap and rotor section. > > ignition modules), we probably wouldn't have had as much of a > > problem with the opti-spark sensors. The GM Optispark is an optically-triggered ignition distributor used on the LT1, LT4 and L99 engines. They sold me an AC Delco remanufactured unit part# 19383531. Mar 23, 2009 · HAs anyone had problems out of an msd box burning up their opti's? The original cap i replaced when the water pump went, then the 2nd cap went when the coil lead burned through the front of it, 3rd was the accel cap that was bad out of the box, now i think the accel optispark has gone bad after about 100 miles. This was the second generation of the GM small block V8 motor and the first major design change since 1955. Well, all this does is pull moisture back in. The problem continued; spark going into the distrubutor and intermitent spark coming out. As heat builds under the hood you first notice a minor misfire, then stalling occurs. e. I used a GM service manual to diagnose the problem as the distributor. Optispark distributors and complete service kits for all 1992–1997 GM LT1 and LT4 engines. If GM had sealed their opti-spark sensors > > as well as they seal all their other ignition components (i. Each kit includes top-tier compon Apr 21, 2010 · \’92-\’94 Optispark setup more reliable than a 95- 96, even with the early distributor configuration. January 01, 2025 • Corvette parts • distributor upgrade • ignition system • LT1 • LT4 • optispark distributor • optispark failure • optispark problem • optispark troubleshooting • performance ignition • Petris optispark Apr 17, 2006 · The optispark was not at all a bad concept, it simply suffered an unfortunate placement in the engine compartment that lead to potential problems. Put cold water on a hot Optispark, it’s going to suck the water in! This is the BIGGEST problem with the design. This issue was minimized with ’96 and later engines with a distributor housing fitted with a simple 1/8 inch vacuum hose fitting that was connected to Dec 4, 2002 · After I reinstalled the engine, I had problems with it stalling intermitently. May 14, 2005 · Who hasn't had problems with an optispark? LOL. You hear about the opti all the time when it is broken and you never hear anything good about it because when it's working, nobody comments on it. . 3L V-6) engines. Buy a $3 tube of premium black Permatex RTV, because it withstands the highest temps. Optispark has caused headaches in the past, but there’s an imbalance of stories when it comes to failed units versus those that have stood the test of time. It usually takes around four hours. This new Opti-Spark distributor was supposed to be the greatest thing since GM did away with ignition points. Has anyone run a remanufactured Optispark and if yes, are they reliable? What is the best aftermarket replacement for an optispark on a 1992 corvette and will it put an end to the optispark and I installed a new Optispark Distributor on my 1994 Caprice (4. Both distrubutors were purchased new from a GM dealer. This part is a Mistu build piece and is VERY accurate at reading cam position and delivering timing signals, but its very moisture sensitive. Buy a $4 clear plastic fuel filter. I give a basic overview, show troubleshooting techniques, and tear down the system Oct 31, 2008 · Buy a older style Optispark (the one you're supposed to buy), and simply change the cap! Of course you will need to do a few additional things. Learn why oil leaks, cooling system issues, and plug wire problems are often behind premature Optispark failures, and discover simple tips that can help your new distributor last 100K miles or more. This sort of thing is viewed by most people as a bad idea, but to LT1 owners, it’s a fact of life. Here is a listing of parts you will need before you begin : GM Parts : Optispark for 1992-1994 LT1's PN - 10457702 Cap and Rotor kit PN - 10457735 or 1995+ Distr. Before you go out and buy a brand new 1995+ Optispark, be forewarned. Sep 5, 2019 · So -- I hear about all the Optispark horror stories with anything but the original GM optispark or the newer Delphi. Optispark Troubleshooting November 04, 2015 • optispark • optispark failure • optispark problem • optispark troubleshooting How do you know the Optispark is failing? Let’s envision you are out in city traffic. Apr 21, 2010 · the base of the Optispark to allow moisture to escape. While it worked perfectly in a lab or on bright, sunny days at GM's proving grounds, low mounting on the front of the engine meant the Opti suffered from exposure to road water, grit, and salt far more than the typical distributor. Blown engine, or an optispark install failure? We finally uncover the LT1 Trans Am issue#ls Is #lt1 #fbody #transam #firebird #smallblockchevy #turbols # Nov 10, 2018 · Later Opti-Spark systems used a vented cap with two hose connections (vacuum and air vent) to keep moisture out of the cap. Vehicles operated in wet climates were even more susceptible to problems. You CANNOT bolt a 1995+ Optispark up to a 1992-1994 LT1. Without a proper understanding of the wiring connections and circuitry, diagnosing and fixing problems with the Optispark can be incredibly challenging. rebuild kit (Pep Boys or NAPA) Jan 29, 2024 · The early Opti-Spark systems used in the 1993-95 cars suffered from problems due to condensation forming inside the distributor housing. What was causing problems with the Opti-Spark? In order to understand the problems with the Opti-Spark Ignition, a brief description of the system is necessary. Then again, the sensors used > > by GM were made entirely by Mitsubishi! I guess they got a good Optispark FAQ. 3 litre) due to no secondary spark. com Jan 8, 2002 · C4 Tech/Performance - What are the early symptoms of optispark going bad? - My LT-4 has 45,000 on it and seems to drop power when shifting between 1st and 2nd just for a split second. 7 lt, Yesterday was my first time drinving this car in the rain, I drove the car a few miles and hit a water puddle and the car start knocking pretty bad like if timming was way ahead, i shut the car off park it wait for 5 seconds, start it again and it Your LT1 or LT4’s Optispark distributor is built for longevity — but even the best parts can’t survive engine neglect. This caused spark scatter and drivability problems.